New York City A-List Report

My A-List Report for New York City starts with Shopping....

Bloomingdale's on 59th Street and Lexington. Arrive by Subway on the Yellow Line N,R or W. Go to the Guest Services desk, show them your out of state license and get an additional 11% off your entire purchase. Take a break and walk across the street to Dylan's Candy Bar (1011 Third Avenue) for a sugar rush. Need some real food? Walk over to Patsy's (200 East 60th Street) for a real NYC Pizza, "old world" style. If pizza is not sounding good, keep walking to Serendipity 3. Located at 225 East 60th Street, Serendipity serves the greatest hot chocolates and frozen hot chocolates depending on your mood.

Hotels are a plenty in NY, let me give you three;

1. The Mandarin Oriental on Columbus Circle. The views are incredible of Central Park and the Hudson River, location location, location. Be prepared to spend $$$$. Well worth it for a special occasion. I love the bedside reading program, always three NY Times Best Seller Books on the nightstand, yours to take if you start a read.

2. The Shoreham at 33 W 55th Street. A midtown luxury boutique hotel with sleek rooms and a hip feel. I think this hotel has always been a value for the quality offered. Always check to see what promotions are being offered, great weekend deals and MOMA packages usually available. Be prepared to pay $289 and up for a standard room. Standard rooms can be small, but hardly noticed because they are so cool!

3. The Millennium Broadway Hotel in the heart of Times Square. I have always enjoyed my stays at this hotel because of the proximity to Times Square and Subway access. I recommend staying above the 40th floor because of the street noise from Times Square. Sunday stays are usually discounted 20% off the lowest rate.

If you are shopping in SoHo or Canal street area and want a great meal, try Bread Tribeca at 301 Church Street. They have a fixed menu from 5-8pm for $25. I have had Sunday Brunch here and multiple dinners, never disappointed with the food.

For a restaurant with ambiance and stellar views, Asiate inside the Mandarin Oriental on Columbus Circle. Floor to ceiling views of Central Park and numerous awards for decor make this a must for a special occasion. The menu is Asian inspired with a french flare. You will spend a pretty penny, but it can be very affordable for lunch or even brunch. Reservations are highly recommended directly at +1 (212) 805 8881 or at http://www.opentable.com/, make sure to request a table by the window.

Josie's Restaurant (565 3rd Ave at 37th Street) is one of my favorite restaurants for sushi and New American cuisine. The food is fresh, healthy and natural. It is worth a taxi ride and you will still be spending less than eating in Times Square. Josie's has been quite successful with other brands opening across midtown; Josefina and Citrus to name a couple.